Unfortunately in every group that holds a particular belief system, there are always those who take the messages too far or make their own definitions of the beliefs held. These people are extremists and should not in any way represent these groups. Through fear and ignorance, people hold these groups accountable for the extremists actions. In this case of course I am talking about Islam and what's known as ISIS.
Following the recent terror attack in London and the many in Europe in the last few years, people have taken to social media and within their daily lives to spread the message that these attacks MUST be the work of radicalised Muslims. When the 9/11 attacks happened I was just 3 years old and of course I don't remember it, but throughout my life since that awful day, the prejudice and hatred felt towards the Muslim community has grown intensely. It's become a mainstream and rather common field of thought that every attack must be the work of anyone following Islam. It's important to remember that 99% of Muslims believe in peace and solidarity and should not be punished for others actions.
We cannot let these messages of hatred and pure ignorance win. We need to be fighting against Islamophobia to ensure that our Muslim brothers and sisters are safe and the true meaning of their religion is understood. It's important to remember that terrorism has no religion and no race. Terror attacks are random, brutal and unforgiving. The terrorists that undergo these attacks and claim to be members of Islamic State should not be affiliated with the general Muslim community. They are extremists who have disregarded Islam's messages of love, unity and equality and decided to preach hatred and genocide instead. Islamophobia is strong in this country and millions of people believe that all Muslims are a danger to our society.
We are a strong, diverse and unique society. Our country is made up of thousands of different religions and belief systems, you don't have to understand all of them, but you do have to respect them. We need to respect and understand that we are all very different. But our differences should bring us together in solidarity, even though we all believe different things, our hearts beat as one. We cannot let hatred and evil triumph. Now more than ever we need to reach out to the Muslim community with love and peace. We need to spread messages of unity and respect.
If you hear anyone in your daily life make Islamophobic comments, confront them. Tell them why those comments are wrong and explain to them the true meaning of Islam.
''You shall resort to pardon, advocate tolerance, and disregard the ignorant'' (Quran 7199)
Islam forbids the killing of innocent people, irrespective of the causes, religious, political or social beliefs. (Quran 6 151) "....You shall not kill anyone. God has made life sacred-except in the course of justice. These are His commandments to you that you may understand.
Please do not let the hatred and ignorance that is being spread become normalised. Do not let people get away with ostracizing an entire community based on the actions of a few who are not in any way affiliated with them.